Racing TV to run dedicated free-to-air channel for Irish action on December 26

Irish racing fans seeking uninterrupted coverage of the jam-packed December 26 action have had their Christmas wish granted as Racing TV has confirmed the one-off return of a free-to-air, dedicated Irish racing service on Sunday.

With a total of eight meetings scheduled for Racing TV on the day, viewers can watch only the action from Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal on the FreeSports channel.

This free service will be available in Britain and Ireland through Sky HD (422) and Virgin TV (553), and also available on the Racing TV Extra facility for subscribers.

Expected to get under way at 11.30am and run until 4.00pm, the fully dedicated Irish channel will be hosted by Gary O'Brien.

A similar initiative was rolled out for the same date in 2019. It's understood this was not called on last year due to just five meetings being shown on Racing TV on the day, with fixture changes arising as a result of the pandemic.

RTE Racing: live coverage from Leopardstown and Limerick from December 26 to 29Credit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Viewers in Ireland will also be able to follow the festive action on RTE for each of the four days at Leopardstown and Limerick.

Starting at 1.00pm, four live races will be broadcast each day from Leopardstown on RTE2 before coverage concludes at 3.15pm/3.20pm.

Both the Boylesports Faugheen Novice Chase and O'Kelly Brothers Demolition Hurdle will be shown from Limerick on December 26, while the Lyons of Limerick Jaguar Novice Hurdle is the only Limerick event to feature on the December 27 broadcast.

December 28 sees the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase and Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase feature live on RTE before the concluding afternoon of coverage shows the BoyleSports Sporting Limerick Hurdle.

According to a spokesperson for RTE, the broadcaster's coverage over the four days will include insight from Ruby and Ted Walsh, Barry Geraghty, Jane Mangan, Lisa O'Neill, Katie Walsh, Brian Gleeson, Richard Pugh and host Hugh Cahill.

Read more:

Leading Arkle fancy Appreciate It to remain over hurdles after untimely setback

'I think it's wrong' – leading owner Dai Walters blasts Welsh crowds decision

Shishkin faces crucial gallop before Nicky Henderson makes Kempton decision

Leopardstown to honour all tickets sold for four-day Christmas festival

FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!

Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.

Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.

Head to the offer page here to find out more!

*T&Cs apply